Cup action heats up

WHILE African Stars and Orlando Pirates are plotting on who will end up in the stands after their Cell One NFA Cup quarter-final clash, Eleven Arrows, SKW and Ramblers would want to believe that their semi-final berths are all but assured.

Arrows still has a mathematical chance of grabbing the premiership title, but their best bet will surely be the NFA Cup. That goes with SKW. Arrows meet Tsumeb-based first division outfit Newcastle United in their quarter-final match at Walvis Bay’s Kuisebmond Stadium tomorrow, while Ramblers meet former five time premier league champions, Blue Waters, at the same venue.SKW which meets Bingo FC from Rundu is virtually also secured of a semi-final place, provided they improve on their 4-1 drubbing by Black Africa earlier last week.In fact, a double is beckoning for SKW if they win the Cup competition, as they are also in command in the league with only five matches to go.If SKW pulls it through, it will be a majestic achievement for the side which has produced consistent results in the league despite having a bunch of young players.Ramblers are out of the equation as far as the league title is concerned as they sit in ninth spot on the log and only have five matches to go. It will be an impossible task to even finish among the top three.But, like Arrows and SKW, their best chance is to capture the most sought-after football cup in the country. All three teams have been presented with relatively easy passages to the semi-finals, unlike Stars and Pirates who have to oust each other to reach that stage.STARS V PIRATESThe encounter between these two sides is surely not to be missed and the players have everything to play for.Both teams have a mandate from their hard to please fans to win at all costs. The demand from Stars coach Bobby Samaria and Pirates’ David Snewe to their players will be: ‘Bring your part and help each other.’The management will expect no excuses from the coaches after the match, but will look forward a celebration of making it to the next stage.The encounter will be epic in many regards, but bigger on the playing field as most of the players are friends off the field.The supporters from both teams are ranked among the biggest in domestic football and the Independence Stadium will be the ultimate venue on Saturday for any football loving fan.There will be enough space at the venue and with the tickets going for as little as N$20, there is no reason why the streets of Windhoek should not be deserted for this highly anticipated fixture.* Ramblers face Blue Waters at 15h00, followed by Newcastle United and Arrows who square up at 17h00 in Walvis Bay. Bingo FC takes on SKW at 16h00, while Pirates meet Stars at 18h00 in Windhoek.corry@namibian.com